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1809 III Edge Capped Bust Half Dollar

Half Dollars · Capped Bust Half Dollars · 1807–1839
Weight13.48 grams
Diameter32.5 mm
MintPhiladelphia
Mintage1,405,810 Combined mintage for all 1809 varieties
EdgeLettered (FIFTY CENTS OR HALF A DOLLAR)
Alignment↑↓ Coin
Composition89.24% Silver, 10.76% Copper
DesignerJohn Reich
Collector's Key IDCK-3699
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About this coinHistory

The 1809 III Edge uses a different ornamental separator on the lettered edge. Where the XXX Edge shows three X characters between DOLLAR and FIFTY, the III Edge shows three vertical lines (III). The distinction is in the edge die used during the separate edge-lettering step that preceded striking.

Edge variations on Capped Bust half dollars are a specialized collecting area. The edge was impressed before the coin entered the striking chamber, meaning the edge die was independent of both the obverse and reverse dies. Changes in edge ornaments could occur at any point during a year's production, and the resulting combinations provide an additional layer of variety beyond the standard Overton die-marriage system.

Price GuideTypical retail prices for problem-free examples.
Educational
GradeDescriptionTypical Price
G-4 Good (G)
VG-8 Very Good (VG)
F-12 Fine (F)
VF-20 Very Fine (VF)
EF-40 Extremely Fine (EF)
AU-50 About Uncirculated (AU)
MS-60 Uncirculated (MS)
MS-63 Choice Uncirculated (MS)

This table is for educational purposes only and is intended to illustrate general market price trends and pricing steps between grades. Actual market conditions may vary significantly, especially for rarer pieces that often command premiums above the ranges shown here.

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